Farmers in Punjab staged a state-wide bandh on Monday, blocking roads at multiple locations to press their demands. Organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the bandh was observed from 7 am to 4 pm, disrupting traffic and daily activities across the state.
Road Blockades and Disruptions
Key highways and entry points were affected as farmers blocked major roads. At Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza, a sit-in disrupted vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. Farmers also gathered near the Golden Gate in Amritsar and blocked roads in Rampura Phul, Bathinda. Despite the disruptions, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher assured that emergency services, such as airport travel, weddings, and job interviews, would remain unaffected.
Prolonged Hunger Strike by Jagjit Singh Dallewal
Adding urgency to the protests, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday. Refusing medical attention, Mr. Dallewal has vowed to continue his fast until the government meets the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops. The Supreme Court has given time to the Punjab government till December 31 to convince Mr. Dallewal to receive medical care, even allowing the state to seek Centre's logistical support if needed.
Protest Demands and Ongoing Efforts
The farmers have been camping at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13, after their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces. Attempts by groups of farmers to reach Delhi on foot between December 6 and 14 were thwarted. Farmers demands extend beyond MSP. It includes debt waivers, pensions, withdrawal of police cases, stable electricity tariffs, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
A Long-Standing Struggle
The farmers’ agitation reflects their growing frustration over unmet promises and perceived apathy from the government. As the protests intensify, the central and state governments face mounting pressure to address the pressing issues affecting the agricultural community.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
